Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993

Benjamin Moore Arborcoat Picture Album Customers who have used Benjamin Moore Arborcoat Stain continue to give poor reviews about the appearance and longevity of their deck stain projects. If you have used Benjamin Moore Arborcoat Stain, we would like to hear what you think, so feel free to leave a comment below and pictures of your completed projects if you have them. Overall Score Defy Extreme Stain at 2 Year Period: 5.25 – There are many negative reviews on the Internet about the Arborcoat. Benjamin Moore knows there is an issue, yet they continue to sell this product. We do not recommend using this product. You can read our full review here: Benjamin Moore Arborcoat Stain Review

TWP 200 Series Wood Stain Picture Album TWP 200 Series is a semi-transparent oil-based penetrating finish designed to extend the life of exterior wood such as decking, cedar shake siding, and shingles. Containing a paraffin oil, the TWP 200 series penetrates wood extremely well. Paraffin oil is a “non-drying” oil that enhances the wood cell’s structural stability. This greatly improves the wood’s life and appearance. Overall Score TWP 200 Series Stain at 2 Year Period: 8.25 – We like the 200 Series, but normally use the 100 or 1500 as it is more readily available. It has great UV protection and does not peel. The only slight issues are the dry time and final color curing. This is a non-issue for …

Log Cabin Picture Album There is no doubt that a log cabin is a thing of beauty in almost any type of landscape. To keep a log cabin looking good and lasting for many years, maintenance is key. Log cabins can be very high maintenance, and homeowners know all to well the tedious task of keeping it in good condition. You can read our full article here: Best Wood Stains for a Log Cabin

Deck stains may take between one and 24 hours to dry completely based on several different factors. Water-based stains usually dry in one to four hours, and oil-based stains may take four to 12 hours to dry. The actual dry time may be influenced by many different factors. Stains should be applied when the temperature is between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit and the humidity is 50% or lower. Remember to always review the product manufacturer’s instructions regarding how long the deck stain takes to dry. For example, Defy states that their water-based, semi-transparent deck stain dry time ranges from two to six hours. Overapplying deck stain can significantly slow the drying process and negatively affect the final appearance. For this purpose, it is important to remove any …

Hi, I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in exterior wood. My reviews and help tips are based on my history as a wood restoration contractor and actual hands-on testing, all designed to present you with the top product choices. See here for more info about me. I often hear a question at DeckStainHelp.com: “What’s the difference between using deck stain and regular house paint?” The key to answering this question starts with understanding the difference between stain and paint. House Paint or Deck Stain? If you’re comparing stain to house paint, it’s better to use stain on your wood deck. House paint is explicitly designed for vertical surfaces, …

The Best Way Stain a Wood Deck How Long Does it Take to Stain a Deck is a popular question here on DeckStainHelp.com. Deck Stains and Deck Sealers typically come in 5 different types. Clear Deck Sealers, Transparent Deck Stains, Semi-Transparent Deck Stains, Semi-Solid Deck Stains, and Solid Color Deck Stains. All of these stain types are applied differently and take different amounts of effort or time to finish the deck staining project In this article about How Long Does it Take to Stain a Deck, we will break down the main difference between the stain types and which of them is the fastest to apply. For more info, see our Deck Stain Facts section with over 150 simple Q&A …

How to Apply A Deck Stain in 2026 Exterior wood deck restoration can be a yearly or every two-year chore for most homeowners. It is understood that you will need to maintain and treat your deck so it is protected from the elements and looks beautiful for many years to come. One popular question we have here at DeckStainHelp.com is “What is the Best Way to Apply a Deck Stain?” The issue with this common question is that most types of stains are applied differently and may require different application methods. We are going to break down the different types of deck stains and sealers and offer advice based on our 25+ years in the deck restoration business as to …

Deck Stain vs Deck Sealer What is the difference between a Deck Sealer vs a Deck Stain is a very common question here on DeckStainHelp.com. The simple answer is that all deck stains are sealers as well but a deck sealer is not a deck stain. In this article about Deck Stains and Sealers, we will breakdown the main difference between the two different types and give our 25+ years of experience as to what stain brand and type is best for your exterior wood deck.

Hi, I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in exterior wood decking. My Thompson’s Waterseal Stain and Sealer Review is based on my history as a wood restoration contractor and actual hands-on testing, all designed to present you with the top deck stain choices. See here for more info about me. THOMPSONS WATERSEAL STAIN & SEALER REVIEW 2026 We would love to hear from you if you have used THOMPSONS WATERSEAL STAIN & SEALER. Please post a rating in the Consumer Star Ratings below. Thompson’s WaterSeal has not been a consumer favorite with deck stains or sealers. The Transparent and Semi-Transparent versions are prone to premature peeling and wearing …

How Often to Reapply a Deck or Wood Stain? This is one of the most popular wood or deck staining questions we have on DeckStainHelp.com. Exterior deck and wood maintenance are key to improve the appearance and protect the wood so it lasts for many years. A quality wood or deck stain can last up to 3 years on a deck and 5 years on a vertical surface but they do not last forever. This article aims to provide you with tips on when to reapply your deck stain for different types of surfaces and different types of stains or coatings. Wood Staining Maintenance Tip: It is always best to reapply a deck stain prior to full failure. In many …

Hi, I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in exterior wood decking. My Valspar Wood Stain Review is based on my history as a wood restoration contractor and actual hands-on testing, all designed to present you with the top deck stain choices. See here for more info about me. Valspar stain is sold at Lowe’s in various colors at a reasonable price. It’s an acrylic, water-based deck stain that’s thin paint. Valspar One-Coat Semi-Transparent Stain & Sealer promises to make quick work of your deck project, but our testing and customer reviews have found that the product fails to deliver on its promises. Even on Valspar’s website, the average …

Pittsburgh Paramount Exterior Stain Semi-Transparent Review The Pittsburgh Paramount Stain was introduced in Menards in the last couple of years. The product is actually the exact same thing as the Olympic ELITE Advanced Stain + Sealant in One (Lowes) and the PPG Timeless, just relabeled for Menards use. They have two versions of the stain at a different price point. The Paramount and the Ultra. Pittsburgh tried to discern the two by saying one will last longer but in reality, neither of these stains will last more than 1-2 years. This is their acrylic water-based version. Pittsburgh Paramount Deck Stain Manufacturer Description Reveal and protect the true beauty of your wood with Pittsburgh Paints & Stains Paramount advanced stain and sealant …